lung pain /shortness of breath

[lu ann]

At about the same time I switched pain medications for bone mets pain I started experiencing lung pain when I breathe deep and shortness of breath.(July/August 04) I was taking 40mg. oxycontin and now I'm on a durelgesic (fentanyl) patch, 50mcg. My CA15-3 tumor marker was 34.5 in August. I had CT scan of the chest, abdomin, pelvis, and head. I also had a bone scan. FINDINGS: The left anterior superior mediastinal mass has decreased in size, now measuring 1.8 x 3cm. (origionally 8 x 5cm.) There are new bilateral upper lobe opacities. This may represent postradiation changes or other infectious, inflammatory process. (I completed rad.tx in April 04) There is stable small left pleural effusion. Previous described nodules were not identified today. There is an opacity at the right posterior lung base that may represent atelectasis (collapse of the expanded lung). I see my oncologist Wed. so I will address these symptoms again with him. Could it be that I had these symptoms all along but the oxycontin was masking them? The patch doesn't take away all the pain I have in my spine, but it is not as constipating as the oxycontin, which is a relief. Has any one else had these symptoms without an obvious mass in their lungs? Thankyou for repies and Blessings, Lu Ann.

[Christine]

Lu Ann
I recall being short of breath as my lungs progressed with fluid/plurel effusion. Even after the nodes and fluid was resolved, I had a sorness that took a few months to heal. Also coughed alot then, which didn't help .
Well wishes. Christine

[Alicia]

Luann,
I finished rads to breast and axilla in july 2004. I started feeling short of breath and wheezing late in august. My pet/ct showed something "consistent with air space disease" which my docs say is from the radiation. I have a question in to my radiologist. I have mets to bone only so far. Last time I got herceptin the wheezing seemed to get worse which my nurse felt was from giving the herceptin maybe a little too fast. This last time I took benedryl and that has helped. I don't know if this helps at all. take care alicia

[lu ann]

Hi Alisia, I never thought that it might be from the herceptin. I'll ask tomorrow when I go for treatment. I also have wheezing. Thanks for the info. Blessings, Lu Ann.